Taken internally, a decoction of the leafy twigs is used in the treatment of internal haemorrhages, cough, as an antidote to snake bites and fever. When treating feverish states, it is normally recommended that the patient should also sleep the night on a bed of the newly-cut leaves.

The leaves are also applied externally in baths and washes. The heated leaves are applied topically to points of pain, particularly in elephantiasis, as an analgesic. The leaf-sap is used as a treatment for eye infections.

The root is considered to be tonic and is put to various medicinal uses.A decoction is given by draught for treating dermatitis, headache, chest-complaints, kidney-troubles, senescence, debility, internal pain, etc. It is also given to children with rickets, and is also used against dental caries. A root-macerate is given by draught or in baths for general fatigue.

Other Uses:The leaf is used as a container for carrying cashew nuts.The leaves are used to blacken pottery.